Making Sure You Get the Right Car Insurance for Your Business

By Clay Walters

State laws for motor vehicle operators are very specific on car insurance requirements and have substantial fines and penalties for those who opt not to buy insurance. Some small business start-ups may not be aware, however, of the fact that personal car insurance policies may not cover incidents and accidents that happen during business operations.

Most important is liability coverage for bodily injury. This insurance provides payment for injuries to others resulting from an incident where the small businessperson is at fault. Liability coverage can also take care of the cost of legal representation in the case of lawsuits or claims.

An umbrella type of vehicle insurance is called comprehensive car insurance. This is coverage for damages to vehicles that are not due to an actual accident. This insurance is for items like car theft, fire, and water and hail damages.

Collision coverage could also be called crash coverage, as its purpose is to take care of the physical results of a wreck, damage to the vehicle or vehicles. Collision can also be used for damage in accidents that do not involve other vehicles but stationary objects like fences or poles or trees.

Mobile electronic devices like PDAs, iPhones, and GPS systems are critical to most small business owners these days, especially those whose businesses rely on deliveries and salespersons. There is special insurance for data, audio and visual electronic items.

The device coverage is limited to electronic equipment that is a permanent part of a vehicle, for example, On Star type GPS systems. It can also cover items that can be removed from the car, but have a permanent housing or docking station, like satellite radios.

Those who rely on leased vehicles and rental cars for short-term business needs should do some research on specialized coverage like hired auto insurance. "Drive other car" coverage is wise investment for companies that use rental cars frequently.

All car insurance policy owners need to make certain that they are covered for uninsured motorists. It is a sad fact today that many drivers do not abide by the law. - 29969

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